| Mehndi is a shrub like plant from the Middle | | | | 2 packets instant coffee singles |
| Eastern countries is used for henna tattoo and in | | | | 1 and 1/4 cups water |
| various henna tattoo design. It is more known as | | | | 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh) |
| "Henna" and the art of henna tattooing has been | | | | 5 drops eucalyptus oil |
| an ancient tradition to the Middle Eastern culture. | | | | 5 drops clove oil |
| In places like India, Pakistan, Sudan and Egypt it | | | | Procedures in mixing the henna paste. |
| has been a tradition and now a fashion | | | | 1. Boil the instant coffee and water down to 3/4 |
| throughout. | | | | cup of dark liquid. |
| The henna or mehndi leaves are used in body | | | | 2. Mix enough coffee (dark liquid) into the henna |
| painting or what we call as henna tattoo or | | | | powder to create a thick paste. Keep on mixing |
| temporary tattoo. People nowadays prefer to use | | | | until it is well blended. |
| it because it is cheaper, simpler and you can even | | | | 3. Add the lemon juice, the eucalyptus and clove |
| make one and apply them your own. The henna | | | | oil. Mix till well blended. Just a bit of a reminder |
| leaves are ground and powdered and turned into | | | | though, the paste must not be too watery or |
| paste then, applied in different body parts such | | | | you need to add more henna powder. It should |
| as; hands, legs, feet, arms, ankles, neck, back, | | | | not also be so thick or you will need to add a little |
| belly and even in toe and fingernails and in other | | | | more of the dark liquid or a plain water will do. |
| parts of the body where you would prefer to | | | | Lastly, let the mixture cool for about 2 hours |
| have them. | | | | before using. The measurement does only for a |
| Because henna tattoo has become a fashion, | | | | small portion of henna paste. If you plan to use |
| many suppliers now made henna in variety of | | | | more then you can do so by doubling the |
| colors but, studies showed that it is not safe. | | | | measurements. Unused henna paste can also be |
| When other colors, chemicals or substances are | | | | kept for later use provided that it is sealed. It |
| added to henna to alter its color, there is some | | | | may last for two weeks if kept in a chiller and |
| sort of chemical reactions that causes skin | | | | may last for two months if kept frozen. |
| irritations which can be mild to severe in cases. | | | | How to apply the henna paste? |
| Therefore, it is advisable to use henna in its pure | | | | In applying the henna paste, you can choose from |
| and uncolored form. | | | | using a toothpick, squeeze bottle or a cone. You |
| Everyone can use henna and create and | | | | can buy or make your own using available |
| experiment any designs or you can choose one | | | | material that can be made such. Then you will |
| since, there are many henna tattoo design books | | | | have to decide for the design. There are various |
| or catalogs available in the market. Some people | | | | henna tattoo design kits available in the market. It |
| use the pre-made henna in tubes in the market | | | | comes with a sample design and a stencil. |
| but many still prefer to mix it their own way. | | | | However, you can do it your way. Create your |
| Surprisingly, doing so gives rather better results. | | | | own design and not need for some fancy stencils |
| There are actually henna recipes, designs and | | | | and stuff and do it freehand! After applying, you |
| guides in the market that can help you in doing | | | | must live it until the paste dries. This may take |
| the henna paste and applying them your own. If | | | | longer than the application. It may take hours and |
| you want to experience making one for yourself | | | | when it is finally dry; you will see the fine results |
| here is a simple and effective recipe and | | | | you just did. Cool! The tattoo may last for 4 to 6 |
| procedure that will guide you thru the process as | | | | weeks depending on how you would care for it. |
| well as, how to apply it. | | | | So the hard work, handwork and time spent are |
| First you will need: | | | | worth it! |
| 1 and 1/4 cups of dry and sifted henna powder | | | | |